impertinence

Noun

WordNet 3.0

an impudent statementSynonyms: impudence cheek
the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take libertiesSynonyms: crust gall impudence insolence cheekiness freshness
inappropriate playfulnessSynonyms: perkiness pertness sauciness archness

Impertinence \Im*per"ti*nence\, n. [Cf. F. impertinence. See Impertinent.]

1.The condition or quality of being impertinent; absence of pertinence, or of adaptedness; irrelevance; unfitness. [1913 Webster]

2.Conduct or language unbecoming the person, the society, or the circumstances; rudeness; incivility. [1913 Webster]

We should avoid the vexation and impertinence of pedants who affect to talk in a language not to be understood.— Swift.[1913 Webster]

3.That which is impertinent; a thing out of place, or of no value. [1913 Webster]

There are many subtile impertinences learned in schools.— Watts.[1913 Webster]